Civilian employees at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) keep their agency running. Working in public safety for the largest city in Indiana is no small task, and they are on the front lines keeping their community safe.
Earlier this year, they became some of the newest public safety members to form a union through AFSCME when they established AFSCME Local 1239 (Council 962).
“The civilians at the department had an unfair disadvantage when it came to wages, benefits and disciplinary concerns,” said Jessi Medeiros, the interim president of Local 1239 and an 18-year IMPD civilian employee. “Having poor morale when it comes to not having those things — it really can affect you.”
These employees overcame structural barriers to form their union. Many of them work in different locations throughout Indianapolis and others were worried to speak out about the issues they face every day on the job.
Civilian workers had the support of senior city leadership, including Chief of Police Christopher Bailey, and their colleagues who are sworn police officers.
The bargaining unit includes about 160 staff at IMPD, including victim assistance counselors, analysts, property room technicians, public safety officers, and abuse program specialists like Medeiros.
On June 1, these new union members ratified their first contract at the IMPD with an overwhelming “yes” vote. The contract includes substantial pay increases, as well as longevity pay, shift premiums, education reimbursements and compensatory time for on-call hours.
Medeiros explained that until now, many personnel decisions were made arbitrarily. Their collective bargaining agreement puts in place standard hiring, grievance and disciplinary procedures.
“Trust [between co-workers] was something that needed to be established early on,” she said about the long organizing process. “It’s definitely been a learning experience to see what we’re fully capable of as a united team.”
Local 1239’s first contract also enshrines strong union rights for civilian staff while they are at work.
Many IMPD civilian employees were skeptical at first about what they could achieve by coming together and using their collective voice to make improvements. However, this first contract shatters the illusion that it can’t be done.
“The work is not over. It’s just beginning,” Medeiros concluded.
Public safety professionals are increasingly turning to AFSCME to build power at work, and to advocate for safety on the job, better wages, good health care and a secure retirement. AFSCME members in corrections, law enforcement and emergency response defend our freedoms and those of the communities we serve.
Visit the AFSCME Public Safety website to get involved and learn more.